Drivers Fume While Snow Hounds Celebrate Early November Storm

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Roads were slick and the slopes were packed thanks to an early November storm that brought heavy precipitation and cold temperatures to Northern California on Saturday.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm advisory until 10 a.m. Sunday for the Sierra foothills and greater Tahoe area, saying at least 10 inches of snow could accumulate above 6,000 feet. Chain controls were in effect early Sunday morning on both Interstate 80 and Highway 50 across the mountains due to low visibility and icy conditions.

On the valley floor, the storm system dumped about three-tenths of an inch of rain on Sacramento, Stockton and Vacaville, and even left more than half an inch of rain in the Marysville area. A number of minor traffic accidents were reported on the wet roads, but few significant problems cropped up on the local highways.

Forecasts predict a chance of rain showers on the valley floor on Sunday. Although the clouds are expected to clear up over the next few days, a low pressure system will bring chilly temperatures Sunday, with highs around Sacramento not expected to reach 60 degrees.

Skiers and snowboarders packed the slopes at Boreal on the first full day of the resort’s seven-day-a-week schedule, but the California Highway Patrol warned drivers to be extra alert on the icy roadways, especially after sundown each night.

A handful of accidents slowed traffic down, but no serious injuries were reported, authorities said.